Electrolux — which also distributes Westinghouse and Kelvinator refrigerators — received five-star ratings in six out of seven categories, including reliability, value for money and overall satisfaction, which were deemed the first, second and third most import factors respectively.

Close behind was Fisher & Paykel receiving top ratings for reliability, value for money, after sale service, internal layout, and the quality of fixtures and fittings. LG also received five stars for its internal layout.

After sale service and warranty, Internal layout and Food freshness were the less important factors in determining customer satisfaction.

The Canstar Blue results

* Overall satisfaction is an individual rating and not a combined total of all ratings* *The hollow star ratings are awarded where brands do not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria, however achieve at least the minimum sample required for all other criteria.

Canstar Blue surveyed 776 Australians who had bought a fridge in the last three years.

“The Canstar Blue Awards are based on customer reviews so we’re exceptionally proud to be recognised for our reliability, value for money and overall satisfaction,” said Sheila Walthoe, Electrolux Home Products senior brand and trade marketing manager.

“We’ve harnessed over 90 years experience in refrigeration to develop exceptional food storage solutions which are stylish in design, boast innovative features, and deliver optimum food freshness. We know that food wastage is a significant problem so our fridges are designed with sealed crispers and humidity controls so you can create the perfect environment for your food and ensure your ingredients maintain taste and texture.”

“We know that reliability is of the utmost importance to Australians looking to buy a new refrigerator and this is an area in which both Electrolux and Fisher & Paykel achieved top marks. Everybody wants to feel they are getting good value for money, but our survey shows things like the quality of fittings and fixtures, as well as internal layout, are also important to consumers,” he said.

The survey results also provide an insight into consumers’ attitudes towards the category.

63 per cent said the energy rating of a fridge was a major factor in their purchase decision

63 per cent found it cheaper to replace a broken fridge than to fix it

18 per cent don’t care what fridge they buy as long as it’s the cheapest

44 per cent would replace their fridge if they thought it could save money each month on running costs

13 per cent have bought a fridge only to find that it didn’t fit where I wanted it to go at home

20 per cent said they would consider purchasing a fridge with TV or internet connectivity

Food wastage was another key issue covered by the survey, with 40 per cent admitting to regularly throwing away mouldy food. Gen Y (46 per cent) are the most likely to waste food and Gen X (27 per cent) are the worst offenders for only cleaning their fridge every few months.